T21aw Rainforest Adventure Week / Esquinas Lodge - 7 days
The biodiversity of Costa Rica‘s
newest, remotest and least known national park, Piedras Blancas
(part of the Osa conservation area), is one of the highest
in all of Central America. Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is the
ideal base for excursions into the dense jungle, which has
hardly been explored or researched.
The rainforest adventure week is an all-inclusive
program full of variety for sporty, adventurous persons wishing
to experience the rainforest without having to forfeit a high
standard of comfort. The excursions are not extremely long,
strenuous,or dangerous, although a certain amount of fitness
and adaptability to the tropics is recommended. Mornings are
devoted to exploring the rainforest with an experienced guide
- on foot, on horseback, on mountain bikes, by kayak, or by
boat. Afternoons allow ample time for hiking the well-marked
trails, relaxing by the pool, or birdwatching.
Each of the ten
cozy rooms of Esquinas Lodge has a private bath, hot
water shower, tiled floor and ceiling fan. While relaxing
on the shady veranda, guests can enjoy a close-up view of
the forest. The array of exotic birds, including parrots and
toucans, is stunning (over 200 species have been counted).
The large main building has a spacious, open living room,
library, bar, and a restaurant offering high-standard cuisine
only a stone‘s throw from the dense jungle.
A crystal-clear jungle stream flows through the naturally-filtered
swimming pool and the beautifully landscaped tropical garden,
which attracts a great variety of wildlife such as monkeys,
sloths, caymans and colorful butterflies. A 10-mile long network
of well-marked trails departs directly behind the lodge.
Day 1
Golfito - Esquinas Rainforest / Piedras Blancas National Park - (L,D)
Transfer from Golfito to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge in the South Pacific coast. Our adventure week begins with an introductory hike through secondary forest to the nearby biological station of the organization "Rainforest of the Austrians" and a tour through its botanical garden, home to 80 kinds of fruits and vegetables and 80 kinds of orchids. Overnight stay Esquinas Lodge.
Day 2
Esquinas Rainforest / Rainforest Hike - (BF,L,D)
Guided excursion (approx. 3 hrs.), through untouched primary rainforest, that is home to approx. 2500 species of plants and trees. We can observe heliconias, orchids, prop and buttressed roots, butterflies, lizards, leave cutter ants, and with some luck also monkeys, sloth or poison dart frogs.
Overnight stay Esquinas Lodge.
Day 3
Esquinas Rainforest /Horseback Riding to Valle Bonito - (BF,L,D)
Our horseback ride takes us through beautiful forests into the neighboring valley, Valle Bonito, where we will be able to observe a variety of colorful, exotic birds. Or would your rather take a swim in the river? If the weather and water level permits, we will ride within the river bed until reaching the ranger station. Ride back to the lodge, passing the village La Gamba. After dinner, venture on an optional night hike into the jungle! With a little bit of luck, we will be able to observe animals like owls, bats, snakes, or one of the very rare wildcats, like an ocelot or margay.
Overnight stay Esquinas
Lodge.
Day 4
Esquinas Rainforest / Kayaking Tour Golfo Dulce - (BF,L,D)
After a drive to Golfito, a motorboat takes us to enchanting, palm-fringed Playa Cacao, where we begin kayaking along the pristine, steep coast. The waters of Golfo Dulce are calm in the morning, and often dolphins and a large variety of water–birds can be seen. The rainforest reaches all the way down to the many uninhabited coves and bays, where we have the opportunity to disembark for swimming and snorkeling. The motorboat follows at a discreet distance, ready to pick us up after around 3 hours (or when we give a sign). Overnight stay Esquinas Lodge.
Day 5
Esquinas Rainforest / Mountain Bike Tour, Chorro Waterfall - (BF,L,D)
We ride our mountain bikes to the village of La Gamba (4 Km.) and hike to the Chorro Waterfall (30 Min.), under which we can swim in a deep, crystal clear pool. The courageous can continue canoeing up the riverbed, climbing over small waterfalls until they reach a large waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. An optional night hike gives us the opportunity to track down nocturnal animals such as snakes, bats, or possibly a rare margay.
Overnight stay Esquinas Lodge.
Day 6
Esquinas Rainforest - (BF,L,D)
This free day gives
us the opportunity for more mountain-biking or more hiking (optional) or just to relax by the natural pool. Overnight
stay Esquinas Lodge.
Day 7
Esquinas Rainforest - Golfito - (BF,L,D)
After breakfast you will leave this small paradise; transfer to Golfito.
BF =
Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, BL = Box Lunch
Note:
The order of excursions can be changed
on short notice depending on weather or other reasons
